Amanda Smith

DAHLONEGA, Ga. - Amanda Smith’s two-run single highlighted a three-run rally in the fifth inning and lifted Northern Kentucky University to a 5-4 win over North
Georgia on Friday at the Fire Mountain Classic.

North Georgia held a 3-2 lead going into the top of the fifth, but NKU loaded the bases for Smith. The freshman lined a two-run single up the middle to give the Norse a 4-3 lead, and NKU added another run to take a 5-3 advantage.

Smith relieved starting pitcher Candace White in the bottom of the seventh inning and recorded the final three outs to pick up the save. Ricki Rothbauer scored two runs for the Norse, while Heather Cotner added an RBI triple.

In the second game, Valdosta State scored four times in the top of the seventh to erase a two-run deficit and posted an 8-6 win over NKU. Rothbauer and Cotner each had two hits and two RBI to lead the Norse offense.

NKU took a 6-4 lead into the final inning, but the Norse committed three errors that paved the way for four unearned runs by Valdosta State.

NKU is 26-14 overall and will play both North Georgia and Valdosta State again Saturday.

GAME 1 BOX SCORE

GAME 2 BOX SCORE